Katja Leinberger and Marcel Hartman, owners of the luxury accommodation The Bothey, have developed a wine range under the same name. Rather than producing conventional private-label wines, they have partnered with skilled winemakers and sourced grapes from notable South African regions. Three bottles stood out in a recent tasting. The Bothey “Harmony” Old Bush Vine… Read More »
Blind tastings of 342 wines released between July 2025 and July 2026 revealed a region balancing tradition with the demands of climate change and shifting markets. Despite differing views on the best way forward, one thing was clear: the leading wines reflect the considerable commitment of their growers and winemakers. A region with many answers… Read More »
Loosen Barry brings together Clare Valley grower Jim Barry and Mosel producer Ernst Loosen in a shared Riesling project. The collaboration draws on their friendship and contrasting traditions, combining Australian vineyard character with techniques inspired by historic German winemaking. A vineyard with a long history The project’s story begins at Florita, a vineyard in Clare… Read More »
Research is strengthening the long-held belief that old vines produce wines with greater concentration, complexity, and a clearer sense of place. Yet why vine age and deep roots might enhance terroir expression remains an open question. In November 2025, the Garnachas Históricas project, working with the universities of Navarre and Zaragoza, presented a study of… Read More »
Pinotage is South Africa’s signature red grape, known for its bold flavours of dark fruit, smoky notes and full-bodied character. International Pinotage Day, celebrated on the second Saturday of October, is an opportunity to raise a glass to a variety that overcame years of criticism to win recognition around the world. From four seeds to… Read More »
A new supermarket-focused wine brand, All Good Things, is drawing on Australia and New Zealand. Its packaging is simple and eye-catching, while its listed prices of around £9.75–£10 appear to leave room for promotions; the wines seem to be selling for about £8. All Good Things Sauvignon Blanc 2025, Western Australia 12% alcohol · 81/100… Read More »
Pressing Matters: A Guide to the Hot Topics in Wine In Pressing Matters: The Debates, Controversies, and Mysteries that Have Shaped the World of Wine, Alan Ramey offers readers a vital exploration of the most pressing questions in the wine industry. Expecting solid answers about complex issues like the detectability of terroir or the superiority… Read More »
Launched in March 2025, Zacal Mezcal describes itself as “the spirit for wine lovers.” Co-founder Andrew Maidment emphasizes that, similar to wine, a mezcal’s identity is influenced by its soil, altitude, and climate, leading to nuanced varietal expressions. However, this raises the question of whether terroir or varietal expression is more crucial for mezcal. Esteban… Read More »
The autumn of 2026 has ushered in an exciting array of wines from California, showcasing remarkable releases that include ageworthy Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc, mountain-grown Cabernets, Bordeaux blends from Sonoma County, and both Rhône-style whites and reds. With a unique blend of tradition and innovation, these selections warrant attention from wine enthusiasts across the globe.… Read More »
I had the opportunity to visit Montes in Chile, accompanied by Rodrigo Barral, the chief viticulturist, and Santiago Izcúe, the winemaker. The vineyard, situated in the stunning Apalta Valley, showcases a unique amphitheater-like arrangement of vines across picturesque hills. Montes spans 120 hectares in Apalta and an additional 450 hectares in Marchigüe, which is closer… Read More »